My wife test drove both the F-sport 250 & 350. Not knowing anything about Lexus line she drove the 250 1st (she likes to drive fast) and although it was peppy enough for her I told her she shouldn't make a decision until she drove the 350.

She drove the 350 and that's what she ended up with. Even if they're both V6's 2.5L vs 3.5L that 1 liter has almost 100 more horsepower and IS NOTICEABLE on acceleration and when passing over the 2.5L. Not even sure what's the logic as to why Lexus even offered 2 V6 options. Maybe that's why for 2016 they dropped the 2.5L V6 in favor of the turbo 4 cylinder in the 200t.

 

I have similar preference however when I ordered my IS 350 (no-sport with luxury package) I got surprise message from my dealer -

all Luxury Packages will have option Code FT see below, this is an upgraded wheel - at no cost to you. 18" Mesh Alloy Wheels Liquid Graphite Finish: FR: 225/40R18 RR: 255/35R18, Summer Tires
Have to select or wont take order - I look at all luxury packages IS 350 in country all have FT Wheels.

At this point I am not sure which wheels I will get, what is an FT wheel? I am surprised since 2016 IS catalog states that standard wheels on IS 350 are 18" 5-spoke alloy wheels.

 

there is a lot of 250 hatred within this thread. that said, the 250 may be the perfect car for you. i would test drive both and see which one suits your driving habits and daily needs.

 

IS250 have engine problem with carbon build up.

 

that was fixed in 2010.

 

No it wasn't, it was alleviated through the use of different ring and seal material and a maintenance step ( sea foam like cleaning) to delay the onset of the condition past a certain rated useful life. All direct injection engines have this issue, and manufacturers have different ways to deal with it.

 

lexus has alleviated it rather well then as those who have 2010 and newer MY vehicles that have engines ameliorated with said alleviation have not been having much in the way of problems per the 2IS and 3IS forum contributions.

 

Hope so but all direct fuel injectors have carbon build up issue even BMW.

 

I thought the 3.5L engine has both direct & port injection that helps reduce the carbon build up, no?

 

Correct. Only the 250 has had the carbon buildup issue.